Rangers, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Como 1907 are all interested in Middlesbrough defender Paddy McNair after it was confirmed the 29-year-old would depart the club this summer.
The Northern Ireland international joined the Teesside outfit from rivals Sunderland in 2018. He has been a mainstay of the Boro side ever since, racking up 219 appearances. However, injuries have disrupted his campaign over the past 12 months, and he has made just 21 Championship appearances this season, the last of which came against Blackburn Rovers in March.
His contract is due to expire in the coming weeks, with it already confirmed that there will be no offer of fresh terms. The former Manchester United man took to social media yesterday to announce that his time at the Riverside Stadium has come to an end, saying:
“After six years and 219 appearance’s my time @theboroofficial has come to an end. Big thank you to all of the players, staff and the fans for the support throughout the years.”
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According to the Belfast Telegraph, his sudden availability has already alerted the attention of three very different clubs. Scottish giants Rangers seem to top the bill, where it is also claimed that this is a move that would interest the centre-back, with him being a boyhood fan of the club.
Elsewhere, Italian side Como are touted with an interest. The club are targeting a place in Serie A and are already drawing up potential transfer targets. They currently sit second in Serie B and a win in their final game against Cosenza would see them earn a place in the top tier.
Israeli league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv are also on the radar, with the club currently managed by former Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane.
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is already targeting a busy summer as he sets his sights on promotion to the Premier League next season.
Writer’s View
McNair is a defender with Championship pedigree and there are likely to be more clubs expressing an interest in the coming weeks. However, the chance to move north of the border with Rangers may be too good an opportunity to turn down.
It would be unlikely to see him move to Italy or Israel, although Robbie Keane could play a factor. Although Tel Aviv won’t be expected to progress far in the Champions League, European football is still something they can offer. However, Rangers will too and it’s a move that looks the most likely.
